MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Above the rushing waters of the Mighty Mississippi, a testament to engineering and ingenuity stands tall.

“It’s a great color and also has a gentler appearance than you would guess with how heavy it is. This curve at the back makes it really special,” said amateur historian Vince Netz.

With its gleaming arches and golden hu, the Stone Arch Bridge has become a symbol of the city it calls home.

But underneath all the rock and mortar, there’s a hidden history with more stories than there are stones on the beloved landmark.

“There’s no reason to be here other than the waterfall and the railway. so the origin story for the city is on this bridge,” said Netz.

In the late 1800s, Minneapolis was a roaring boom town, where the population had more than doubled in less than a decade. The city hired railroad baron James J Hill to build a giant train station to integrate what was then a mess of railway lines into one place. 

“It was bad for flour and lumber shipping. It was worse for passengers. They wanted to make the city’s economic future better by building a railway station. To get there, they had to get across the river,” said Netz.

At first, Hill wanted to build an iron bridge directly over nearby St Anthony Falls but his engineer told him that would destroy the falls. So they started construction just to the south in 1882, with 600 people working around the clock.

Five trains a day carried limestone, granite, and marble quarried in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

“The idea behind the stone is that it could hold a lot of weight and I think James J Hill, his ego was in it too. It’s a big bridge. It’s very much a testament to his power, to his wealth and to his capability. No one was denying James J Hill and his ability once this bridge was constructed,” said MnDOT historian Katie Haun Schuring.

When the project was finished 22 months later, it was considered a modern marvel, with its 23 stone arches, S-shaped structure and six degree curve at the end creating a smooth and scenic path to bring passengers into the heart of Minneapolis.

At its peak, nearly 100 trains a day crossed the bridge and helped Hill expand his empire and conquer The West.

“It was considered a folly at the time. People didn’t really think it was a great idea. Construction was very expensive, but time has told a different tale,” said Haun Schuring.

The Stone Arch remained a railroad bridge until the late 1970s when it was abandoned, as the public began to use the interstate highway system for travel and commerce instead. It sat unused until the 90’s when it was refurbished as a pedestrian and bike bridge with a new deck and decorative railings.

“In the 90s, there was this idea of rails to trails where abandoned rail lines would become trail systems. Here’s this great resource in the middle of Minneapolis that is no longer being used as a rail line so what can we do with it? Turning it into a pedestrian bridge, a trail system made a lot of sense,” said Haun Schuring.

Over the years, two arches were replaced by a steel truss for the lock and dam and two others are now supported by concrete because of a flood. But more work needs to be done, so the bridge is now closed to replace the mortar and some stones to preserve the bridge for the future.

“I think it is one of the most important and interesting bridges in the state. I think it tells the story of one man’s rise to power and fortune. It tells the story of transportation use over time from railroads to trails. I think it is also one of those things that if it weren’t there, there would be a big loss within the community,” said Haun Schuring.

The Stone Arch is the only bridge of its kind on the Mississippi and the second oldest bridge on the river.

It is also on the National Register Of Historic Places, a vital link in the center of the city for more than a century.

“There are more bridges that have more technical complexity to them, but there is only one Stone Arch,” said Netz.

Sgt. Jeremy Depies and Officer Ashley Bergersen of the Minneapolis Police Department rescue a 4-year-old boy from an icy pond.Screenshot from Minneapolis PD Video

Two Minneapolis police officers were awarded the MPD Medal of Valor on Tuesday for saving a young boy’s life last year.

Sgt. Jeremy Depies and Officer Ashley Bergersen were both working on Sunday, Nov. 26 when a call came in that a young child had fallen through the ice.

“I didn’t think it was real at first,” said Bergersen, who was working as a field training officer that day.

She rushed to Bryn Mawr Meadows Park, where Sgt. Depies was already running towards the water.

“I went down to the ice, ran down there and I saw his snow pants sticking up out of the water,” he said. “I knew he was in there longer than he’d ever be able to hold his breath.”

Depies ran into the water with Bergersen right behind him.

Bergersen carried the little boy—just four years old—out of the water and handed him off to her partner, who raced him to the pavement. They started CPR and called for an ambulance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2_hEZgvE1k

The four-year-old survived.

Dublin Airport Reintroduces Aer Lingus Flights to Minneapolis

Dublin Airport has officially reinstated Aer Lingus’ direct service to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, a route that will now operate four times weekly. This relaunch is part of the airport’s broader initiative to expand its North American flight offerings and bolster connections between Ireland and the United States.

Gary McLean, Managing Director of Dublin Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the route’s return, highlighting its benefits for tourism and economic engagement. “The reintroduction of the Minneapolis-St. Paul service not only strengthens our transatlantic network but also reaffirms our commitment to enhancing tourism and trade with the US. This is a key development in our ongoing partnership with Aer Lingus to grow its presence in North America,” McLean stated.

The route provides direct access to Minneapolis-St. Paul, known for its dynamic cultural scene, stunning lakes, and exceptional dining experiences. Additionally, the city serves as a convenient gateway for travelers looking to explore further into the UK, Europe, and other North American destinations.

An added advantage for passengers traveling from Dublin to Minneapolis-St. Paul is the availability of US Pre Clearance facilities at Dublin Airport. This allows travelers to complete all necessary immigration and customs checks before departure, ensuring a smoother and quicker entry into the United States, where the only remaining queue is for a taxi to their final destination.

The renewed service is set to enhance the travel experience for passengers and further develop the strong cultural and economic ties between Ireland and the United States.